Voter registration extended to January 9, 2010, says Supreme Court

The Philippines’ highest tribunal has granted a petition to extend the registration period for new voters who wish to take part in the 2010 elections

A report by media network ABS-CBN broke the news.

“This is very good news and we welcome it. We expect the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to immediately comply and let prospective new and returning voters get listed in a quick, lawful and orderly fashion nationwide,” said Kabataan Partylist Congressman Raymond Palatino, the country’s first elected youth representative in the House of Representatives.

The Supreme Court made a formal announcement of the tribunal’s decision in a press conference today at 3:00 pm. While the ruling was immediately executory, Comelec chair Jose Melo was quoted as saying that the poll body has yet to receive a copy of the tribunal’s ruling.

Palatino led the filing of the case before the Supreme Court only days before the Comelec ended the voter registration last October 31, 2009.

Palatino and his co-petitioners argued that under the Voter Registration Law, the deadline for voter registration should be January 9, 2010 or 120 days before the May 10, 2010 elections.

The petitioners said that the Comelec practically amended the law when it ordered the deadline of the voter registration 70 days earlier than what the Voter Registration Law provides.

New and returning voters have assailed the Comelec for its disorderly voter registration centers and the lack of adequate opportunity for students and young professionals to leave work in order to get listed as voters.